High Sheriff Of Calhoun Parrish

(Tony Joe White)



It was said of the sheriff to Calhoun Parrish

Not to ever touch his daughter Anna-Lee

For to look at her with lustful eyes was certain

To get you a time in the penitentiary.



It was true, she was quite hilarious, it was true, she had eyes for me

Then one night at a dance she walked up to me

And ask me would I, please, meet her down by the creek



As I listened to her dangerous proposal

I thought about the high sheriff catching me

As I shook my head and quietly left the party

I heard her laugh and say "You'll be sorry"



Then came upon my door a loud disturbance

I opened it to the sheriff and his deputy.

He said, "Son, did you molest my daughter ?"

I said, "Sheriff, I do not know of what you speak."



Then he grabbed me roughly by the collar

And he flung me sprawling out into the street

There were days in the jail with claustrophobia

And all on that kind of a beach Anna-Lee.



When I finally worked a bar loose from my window

And I made my way into the woods of Calhoun

Late at night I came upon the cabin

It was the home of Jaime Cross, a friend I knew.



Would you mind if I sat down at your table

'Cause it's been a while since I've had time to eat

And I'll pay y'all back when I'm able

But right now the high sheriff is after me.